RB takes action to support vulnerable communities in Hull, UK in the fight against COVID-19

Donations to six charitable projects will support the health and wellbeing of those most vulnerable and affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Hull and the surrounding area.

RB announced today it is donating £266,000 to support severely impacted communities.

The donations will enable Fareshare, Hull Homeless Community Project, HEY Mind, John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank, The Food Partnership and Forum to continue critical support for the most vulnerable groups in our local community.  Amongst those set to benefit are those at risk or impacted by food poverty, homelessness and mental health, as well as young entrepreneurs who may not be eligible for government business grants.

Established in Hull in 1840, RB has significant R&D and manufacturing operations in the city, employing 1500 people.  This local donation builds on the global commitment RB has already made through its £32 million Fight for Access Fund.

Rachael Starkey, HR Manager, RB explains

Councillor Daren Hale, deputy leader of Hull City Council, said: “We are delighted to be working with RB to support some of our most vulnerable residents in the city.

“Charities in Hull play a vital role in supporting our communities, and these donations will continue to ensure we can assist people in what has been some of the most challenging times in recent years.”

• Economic hardship often leads to people being unable to achieve an adequate and nutritious diet. Fareshare will use their donation to supply and redistribute food to community organisations that support vulnerable people, and to support unemployed individuals in gaining employment in the food, logistics and warehousing sectors.
  
• The Food Partnership will use the donation to better understand the food issues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, and pilot new approaches to address food poverty and the underlying issues of financial exclusion.
• Forum, working in partnership with HEY Smile Foundation, has set up a dedicated grants fund for charitable organisations using the donation, to support the diverse needs of local people impacted by COVID-19.
• HEY Mind will use the donation to set up a service for individuals who are at risk of suicide or have attempted suicide. As well as supporting individual’s at increased risk of suicide, the new service will support those who have experienced the death of a loved one through suicide. 
• Hull Homeless Community Project will use the donation to continue their support for local people at all stages of homelessness. The pandemic is having a significant impact on people from all walks of life, including individuals, families, young people, those fleeing domestic abuse and offenders.
• John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank will use the donation to provide young entrepreneurs - who have been among the hardest hit economically - with business grants to restart their careers.

Contact

Engagement Manager
07408 804002
Emma.Smith2@RB.com

Notes to Editors 

 Please visit the websites below for more information on the charities supported: 

• Fareshare (Images: Fareshare 1 and Fareshare 2)
• Forum and HEY Smile
• HEY Mind (Images: Mind 1-9)
• The Food Partnership
• Hull Homeless Community Project
• John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank (Images: John Cracknell 1 and John Cracknell 2)

Further information about the header image used:

John Cracknell 1 (Amethyst) - Leah-Marie Ariss:

Leah is the founder of Amethyst Cleaning Co. Cleaning runs in Leah’s veins, she really enjoys seeing the end result of her work. She established her cleaning business in October 2018 and since then Amethyst Cleaning Co has gone from strength to strength, demand has been high and the business has received many 5 star reviews.

Amethyst offers weekly/fortnightly cleans, deep cleans, and one off cleans with the choice of basic or deep clean packages to suit. The business currently cleans for the elderly, disabled, people out working and letting agencies. The majority of custom comes via Amethyst’s Facebook page which has excellent reviews. Amethyst covers Hull, Brough, Hedon, Bilton, Willerby, Beverley and other areas.  Amethyst Cleaning Co is proud to be a new, reliable, insured and trustworthy upcoming business in Hull.

Leah’s main reason for starting this journey was her children; she was working unsociable hours and missing out on valuable family time, school runs and bedtimes. With Amethyst Cleaning Co she works less hours and can work around her family. And with her own business she earns twice what she was earning before. Since establishing Amethyst Cleaning Co with the help of MC4C in October 2018, Leah has been awarded funding from the John Cracknell Youth Bank. During Covid 19 Leah has received an Emergency Business Grant as well from the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank in order that he could purchase new materials, and to pay for social media adverts and PPE so she could get back to work.

Leah currently works alone but in the next six to twelve months she is looking to expand and offer additional services. Her business car now has signs promoting the business. Leah is extremely excited to be advertising on her rounds and growing a wider connection to the community

As a responsible business, our response globally is through the £40 million Fight for Access Fund. For more information about the RB Fight for Access Fund visit: https://www.rb.com/sustainability/the-rb-fight-for-access-fund/  

For more information on what RB is doing to combat COVID-19, visit: 

https://www.rb.com/about-us/coronavirus-information/ 
https://www.covid-19facts.com/